Tips

Bonjour my dear clients,

We talk often about preventing skin aging, “slowing the clock”, etc. But we speak often in general terms and the fact is that our skin’s visible age can be quite different from our actual age. It may be we’ve inherited outstanding genes that keep us looking younger (lucky you!) or years of fun-loving sun exposure may have tilted the clocks hands in the other direction so that we actually look older (though you all know I rarely use the “O” word at the salon..) than our joyful years.

Put very simply, an “Anti-Aging Cream” bought over the counter will never be able to address the skin-aging concerns of a 30 year-old, as well as a 60 year-old, n’est-ce pas?

SOTHYS, our beloved Parisian skincare line, has always been ahead of the aesthetic curve, stating  accurately “Votre peau n’a pas le même âge que vous” , which translated reminds us that ” Your skin does not have the same age as you.”

With this obvious yet overlooked fact by the plethora of skincare lines we see in the media, SOTHYS Paris  uniquely developed their Complete Anti-Ageing Program. It allows your esthetician (moi) to perform a professional skin analysis to determine your skin’s real age  which we refer to as the “grade of aging”. We then can offer you a complete, efficient, and customized anti-aging solution to address the skin issues you are specifically concerned about with respect to YOUR skin.

Your skin may not have the same age as you. The radiance, condition and appearance of your skin does not necessarily reflect your real age. Environmental aggressions, lifestyle and skin care routine, can all influence how the skin ages.

The two-step, simple SOTHYS regimen combines the concentrated, proven anti-aging (Grade-specific) ingredients delivered in a light serum with the additional anti-aging (Grade-specific) ingredients luxuriously infused in a meltingly hydrating cream.

Anti-age Serums

Knowing that not all skin ages equally, Sothys offers 4 Serums to fight the signs of aging – including fine lines and expression lines.  Each serum features the unique cosmeceutical H2CR™ (Cell Health Restoring Complex).  This high performance active contains plant messenger peptides and powerful antioxidants for improved cell communication and ultimate protection.

GRADE 1 FIRST WRINKLES REVITALIZING SERUM

Theoretical age: 30 – 40
Illuminate the complexion and smooth expression lines or premature wrinkles.  Ribose sugar restores the cellular energy for increased skin radiance, vitality and protection.

GRADE 2 ANTI-WRINKLE LIFTING SERUM

Theoretical age: 40 – 50
For more permanent wrinkles, Grade 2 Lifting Serum fills and smoothes lines with hyaluronic acid for an “injection-like” effect. Powerfull pentapeptides stimulate collagen synthesis, preserving the oval of the face.

GRADE 3 ANTI-WRINKLE RESTRUCTURING SERUM

Theoretical age: 50 – 60
For deep wrinkles and slackening skin, Grade 3 Serum with dill seed extract and tri- and tetrapeptides helps build a stronger skin structure and improve the overall appearance of the skin.  Almond biofibers smooth and tone instantly.

GRADE 4 ANTI-AGING REPLENISHING SERUM

Theoretical age: 60+
A nutri-ceutical flax complex and rice peptides help the skin regain the essence of youth.  Skin is smoothed with increased fullness and improved texture.  Rye seed extract helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in a fully rejuvenated skin.

SUMMER TRAVEL BAG AND PROMOTIONAL SPECIAL

Armed with the knowedge of what your skin needs, specific to your age and your skin’s age, let me help you determine your grade. And better yet, through August 30th, enjoy half off the price of the concentrated SERUM when you purchase the appropriate cream. For a limited time, I’ve included a smart Travel Bag as a gift to accompany you on your summer getaways..

Pop into the salon for a complimentary consultation, I’d love to see you and to help make your skin look and feel “magnifique”!

Patricia

Bonjour, Mes Amis!

The eyes, as they say, are the windows to the soul, and one of the first things that people look at when talking with you.  The eyes are also where a majority of our emotions are displayed, which contributes to the formation of wrinkles and expression lines around and under our eyes, like crows feet and furrows over and between our eyebrows.  

Sothys’ Eye Contour Treatment has been developed to treat the formation or visible signs of these wrinkles (or the beginnings thereof), which makes it the perfect anti-aging treatment for everyone (read: a gift for yourself, or a loved one with the holidays around the corner!)

Sothys has designed this refreshing, anti-aging treatment to sooth and reduce the puffy, dark circles under the eyes that emphasize age, while smoothing and firming the fine lines around the eyes.  The treatment begins with a gentle exfoliation (the removal of dead skin cells and debris from the surface of the skin and from within the pores) with a non-irritating Jasmine extract and rice powder application around the eyes.  Next, an age-defying serum with vitamins C and E (powerful anti-free radicals and work to stimulate collagen production) is massaged into the skin, to help it protect and regenerate itself, while moisturizing and diminishing wrinkles.  A relaxing modelling cream with shea and macadamia oils (helps skin to retain moisture and protect cells against aging) follows this, applied with cooled porcelain spoons around the eyes to further moisturize, soften, nourish, repair, and reduce puffy, dark circles.  A Tensor mask is applied next, to firm and fortify the structure of the skin, followed by an application of the Multi-Action Contour Eye Contour Cream to continue smoothing fine lines (after you’ve floated out of the salon, of course!).

This relaxing in-salon treatment should be supported by adding one or two of Sothys’ luxurious home care products, in order to maintain refreshed, youthful eyes.  The secret ingredient in all three Eye Contour care supplements contain High-Protection Eye Complex, which helps the skin to protect and regenerate itself to preserve the eye contour from the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness.

• Multi-Action Eye Contour Cream combines the High-Protection Eye Complex with Alfalfa Extract (fortifies and protects collagen fibers, diminishes wrinkles), and other natural ingredients that fight under-eye bags and circles.
• Anti-Puffiness Energizing Roll-On uses the High-Protection Eye Complex in conjunction with Lupine Seed Extract, which improves micro-circulation to prevent the slackening of lower eyelids.
• Dark Circle Eraser employs the High-Protection Eye Complex with mineral pigments and vitamins that at once conceal dark circles, and reduces their appearance over time by improving circulation.

Smooth, even-toned skin around the eyes is one of the easiest ways to melt the years off of your skin; the youthful glow inspired by your established home care routine is only intensified and complimented by bright, youthful-looking eyes!  The French tradition shows us that taking time to pamper oneself and putting effort and care into the preservation of healthy skin is, first of all, not a chore, but a pleasure!  Sothys’ smooth, luxurious, but effective products don’t make that one hard to believe!  We want to create an at-home skin care regimen that gives you an opportunity to find joy in making yourself look and feel better, by creating a “just for me” moment in which you can relax and focus on you and bringing forth your inner beauty.  To see firsthand how Sothys can help you channel this inner beauty, please join us for our Petite Soirée on November 21st with Sothys representative Caroline Rushmore (more on her later this week!) for demonstrations, samples, champagne, and a lovely time!  Don’t forget that you can always book an appointment or make a purchase online, if you aren’t able to come visit us in the salon.  We hope that you remember to care for yourself as the Holiday season picks up speed, and embrace.

Through this month, add an Eye Contour Treatment to any facial, get $20 off an eye cream of your choice!

Bisous!

Bonjour!

Tanning is a guilty pleasure that can leave your skin damaged and dry. With SOTHYS Cellu-Guard Complex you can now enjoy sun care for light tanning with optimum protection.

Cellu-Guard Complex provides double tissue protection. This ensures protection of the collagen and elastin in the dermis and limits the inflammatory process.

Repair the damage overexposure has caused to your skin with the Après-Sun Repair Kit! Bundled at $85 (save $15) while supplies last.

Cellu-Guard Sun Care – Protect

Bisous!

-Maddie.

Bonjour Mes Amis!

In light of our upcoming event, we thought we’d offer you some solutions for hyperpigmentation. What is hyperpigmentation exactly? Check out this post to learn!

To address hyperpigmentation, we thought we’d feature one of our favorite solutions: Jan Marini’s Enlighten Plus!

As with all of Jan Marini’s products, Enlighten Plus is scientifically proven to gently and effectively address skin-concerns–in this case, hyperpigmentation. The case study’s participants used Jan Marini’s famous Skin Care Management System and Enlighten Plus for a period of 3 months. Here are their stunning results!

90% of subjects experienced a reduction in hyperpigmentation, 75% of subjects with melasma (9 of 12) experienced a reduction in MASI score, 74% of subjects experienced a reduction in photo-aging, 95% of subjects indicated improved skin quality. Overall, there was high subject satisfaction with no reported cases of irritation. If that’s not a standing ovation, we don’t know what is! Below, you can see some of these results for yourself.

Enlighten Plus, in combination with the JMSR Skincare Management System, is recommended as an effective, long-term treatment to treat sun-damage, hyperpigmentation, and un-even skin tone overall.Enlighten Plus is an exceptional long-term non-hydroquinone solution for pigmentation and anti-aging. Lasers and peels can help to eliminate “dark spots” on the surface, however, without a long term solution that discourages the production of excess melanin, the pigment will eventually return over time. Enlighten Plus has multiple tyrosinase inhibitors that inhibit excess melanin production in a safe manner approved for long term use.

Enlighten Plus is so effective because it utilizes multiple, concentrated lightening agents that even individually are more effective than many comparable products. The synchronized effect of these lightening agents is a more uniform skin that is relatively free of sun damage.

Enlighten Plus is one of many solutions we’ll be offering this March 17th, from 10:00 to 6:00pm. “Pigmentation Solutions” presentations will be offered at 12:30 and 4:30 (attendees will be entered into a drawing for a full-sized JMSR Skincare Management System). We’ll be joined by representatives from Jan Marini Skin Research and Colorescience, and notably Dr. Grace Kim, who will be offering Botox services at our event. Half hour appointments must be reserved in advance. A $50 coupon toward future treatments with Dr. Kim will be offered to those scheduling a service. Call (805) 785-0340 today to reserve your space! A $25 Reservation fee will save your spot and be redeemable toward product that day.

Hope to see you there!

Adrienne

Bonjour Mes Amis!

You may have heard about our upcoming “Luck of the French!” St Paddy’s Day Open House,  March 17th from 10:00 to 6:00. We’ll be featuring presentations on “Pigmentation Solutions” by Jan Marini Skin Research sales executive Christiane Botelho, Makeup Application by Christie Forcella from Colorescience unveiling their newest 3 in 1 clinical pigment perfector, corrector and SPF50 protectant EVEN UP, and most notably, Dr. Grace Kim, renowned local cosmetic physician who will be offering Botox services from 10:00 til 2:00.

The focus of this event is on hyperpigmentation- the causes, effects and ways to address evening out skin tone.

So, you may well ask, what is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is defined as any abnormal increase in genetically programmed skin pigmentation.Many factors can contribute to changes in skin color or uneven pigmented patches. These include: UV light (did you know that even fluorescent office lights can be a source of UV exposure?), chemicals, genetics, age, local infection, hormones, drugs, and acne.

Common hyperpigmentation concerns are usually focused on solar lentigo (areas of discoloration from sun exposure).  Areas most affected are the face and the back of the hands. How many of us remember to reapply sunscreen every 80 minutes? Do you apply it daily to the back of your hands which receive constant exposure while you drive?

Melasma, another form of abnormal coloration, is characterized by blotchy brown hyperpigmented patches that have an irregular shape and may be distributed over the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and neck. Frequently, this condition occurs during pregnancy, at menopause,  and in those taking hormones or oral contraceptives. It can also rarely occur in men. Sun exposure and certain topical or oral medications can worsen the appearance of of the discolored areas dramatically. Melasma can affect either the epidermal (superficial) layers of the skin, the dermal (deep) layers of the skin, or both. The distinction, visible through a Woods Lamp, is important because epidermal pigmentation may respond well to being lessened or resolved with topical agents while dermal pigmentation may need to be addressed more aggressively.

It is a fact that pigment plays a role in protecting the skin from damage caused by ultra-violet light (sun exposure). Recent studies indicate that this protective action is due to melanin’s ability to act as a potent free radical scavenger. Apparently, free radicals that are triggered through sun exposure are neutralized by melanin which in turn aids in preventing cellular DNA damage. However, continuous UV exposure (without protection) creates a cycle of pigment production at the dermal (deeper skin) level, causing inflammation, melanocyte activation, melanin synthesis, and melanin transfer.  The result, in plain terms, is uneven, blotchy skin tone, detracting from the overall clarity  and youthful even tone of your skin.

Non Prescription Product recommendations

Glycolic Acid

Medical studies indicate that glycolic acid assists in resolving hyperpigmentation by breaking down the cellular bonds of the dead layers (stratum corneum), causing a lifting of over-pigmented areas.It is also proven to act as a delivery agent for other topical products and medications , thus enhancing the effects of lightening agents. It can be found in Jan Marini’s Bioclear Lotion and Cream (Step 3 of the Skin Care Management System).

Kojic  and Azelaic Acid

Kojic acid has been used safely in Japan for many years without irritation or long-term complications associated with other lightening agents. Azelaic acid is a powerful component in the treatment of some hyperpigmentary disorders such as melasma, chloasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Both of these actives are safe and non-toxic for short and long-term use. When combined with glycolic acid, the results they provide are enhanced.

Hexylresorcinol

This highly effective, non-toxic lightening agent has been shown to have efficacy comparable to or greater than 4% hydroquinone. It is a powerful tyrosinase inhibitor, exceptional at addressing overly pigmented areas and brightening overall skin tone.

You will find the above four lightening agents in Jan Marini Skin Research’s ENLIGHTEN PLUS, to be featured at A French Touch Salon’s “Pigmentation Solutions” Open House on March 17, 2015. Also featured will be Colorescience Minerals’ new 3 -in- 1 clinical pigment perfector with SPF50, in a beautiful universal tint that doubles as a primer while it works on brightening the complexion.  Read our blog post detailing the benefits of  EVEN UP, as a complementary product to ENLIGHTEN PLUS, to help you achieve a more even, brighter skin tone.

We hope to see you, as we celebrate the “luck of the French!”

Patricia

 

 

 

 

 

Because of this, we have crafted an entire event around addressing hyperpigmentation–reversing its effects, and stopping the process in its tracks. (Hint, check out our posts on Even Up and Enlighten Plus!)

Be sure to attend our “Luck of the French” Event, March 17th!

Call (805) 785-0340 today to reserve! A $20 reservation fee is redeemable toward product that day.

See you there!

Adrienne

Bonjour Mes Amis!

In partnership with Colorescience, we are excited to present you with Even Up- the first 3-in-1 product designed to brighten, protect, and correct!

Even Up boasts incredibly effective active ingredients, specifically a UV Complex known as LUMIRA™–which brightens by addressing underlying causes of skin pigmentation, and preventing future pigmentation. LUMIRA™ counteracts the cycle of pigment production at every level, addressing inflammation, melanocyte activation, melanin synthesis, and melanin transfer. What does this mean for those of us who aren’t estheticians? LUMIRA™ addresses current pigmentation, as well as pigmentation in progress.

As a further preventative measure, Even Up has SPF 50 physical mineral protection, and a mineral-based primer to immediately even skin tone and correct the appearance of pigmentation. No other product PROTECTS skin and PREVENTS ongoing photodamage, all in one step!

In clinical studies, participants saw dramatic improvement in pigmentation, as well as skin tone,  skin radiance, smoothness, and pore size. In addition to lightening pigmentation, participants were  happier with the overall appearance of their skin. Results included  94% of participants seeing improvements in age spots and pigmentation, and 96% seeing improvement in their overall skin tone and clarity. For more details, watch this video.

At A French Touch Salon, we only recommend the best for you and your skin, and “Even Up” certainly meets that criteria. It is a 3-in-1, powerfully effective product, and we cannot speak highly enough of its effectiveness.

Call to (805) 785-0340 to schedule your attendance at our March 17th Event, from 10-6, and receive $10 off your Even Up! Or go to our ONLINE STORE and receive free shipping.

Bisous!

Adrienne